Trailer backup assist system with target management

ABSTRACT

A trailer backup assist system is provided herein. A camera captures images of a trailer connected to a vehicle. A display has a screen for displaying captured images and registering a touch event thereon to assign a target on the imaged trailer. A controller processes the captured images and tracks the target to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer while the vehicle is automatically steered during a trailer backup maneuver.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to trailer backup assist systems, and more particularly to trailer backup assist systems employing imager-based target detection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer can be challenging for many drivers, particularly for drivers that drive with a trailer on an infrequent basis or with various types of trailers. Systems used to assist a driver with backing a trailer can determine the position of the trailer relative to the vehicle with imager-based target detection. The accuracy and reliability of this hitch angle determination can be critical to the operation of the backup assist system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a trailer backup assist system is provided. A camera captures images of a trailer connected to a vehicle. A display has a screen for displaying captured images and registering a touch event thereon to assign a target on the imaged trailer. A controller processes the captured images and tracks the target to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer while the vehicle is automatically steered during a trailer backup maneuver.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a trailer backup assist system is provided. A camera captures images of a trailer connected to a vehicle. A controller processes the captured images and tracks a target on the imaged trailer to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer during a trailer backup maneuver. If the target becomes lost, the controller calculates a time in which to reach a maximum controllable hitch angle at a current trailer yaw rate.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a hitch angle monitoring method is provided. The method includes the steps of: capturing images of a trailer that is connected to a vehicle; displaying the captured images on a screen of a vehicle display; registering a touch event on the screen to assign a target on the imaged trailer; and processing the captured images to track the target to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer while the trailer is automatically steered during a trailer backup maneuver.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a vehicle attached to a trailer with one embodiment of a hitch angle sensor for operating a trailer backup assist system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the trailer backup assist system having a steering input device, a curvature controller, and a trailer braking system;

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate captured images displayed on a screen of a vehicle display showing different positions of an imaged trailer relative to a vehicle along with points on the imaged trailer that are tracked to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of monitoring a hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the side mirror assembly having a camera for capturing images of a rear and side-vehicle operating environment, as shown in area VI of FIG. 1, marked as VI;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram that illustrates a horizontal field of view angle of the camera shown in FIG. 6, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating horizontal field of view angle of the camera shown in FIG. 6, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the geometry of a vehicle and a trailer overlaid with a two-dimensional x-y coordinate system, identifying variables used to determine a kinematic relationship of the vehicle and the trailer for the trailer backup assist system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between a hitch angle and a steering angle of the vehicle as it relates to curvature of the trailer and a jackknife angle; and

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of managing a lost target, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, it is to be understood that the disclosed trailer backup assist system and the related methods may assume various alternative embodiments and orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. While various aspects of the trailer backup assist system and the related methods are described with reference to a particular illustrative embodiment, the disclosed invention is not limited to such embodiments, and additional modifications, applications, and embodiments may be implemented without departing from the disclosed invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 generally designates a trailer backup assist system for controlling a backing path of a trailer 12 attached to a vehicle 14 by allowing a driver of the vehicle 14 to specify a desired curvature of the backing path of the trailer 12. In one embodiment, the trailer backup assist system 10 automatically steers the vehicle 14 to guide the trailer 12 on the desired curvature or backing path as a driver uses the accelerator and brake pedals to control the reversing speed of the vehicle 14. To monitor the position of the trailer 12 relative to the vehicle 14, the trailer backup assist system 10 may include a sensor system 16 that senses or otherwise determines a hitch angle γ between the trailer 12 and the vehicle 14. In one embodiment, the sensor system 16 may include a sensor module 20 attached to the trailer 12 that monitors the dynamics of the trailer 12, such as yaw rate, and communicates with a controller 28 of the trailer backup assist system 10 to determine the instantaneous hitch angle γ. Accordingly, one embodiment of a sensor module 20 is adapted to attach to the trailer 12 and generate a trailer yaw rate ω₂. The trailer backup assist system 10, according to such an embodiment, may also include a vehicle sensor system 17 that generates a vehicle yaw rate ω₁ and a vehicle speed v₁. The controller 28 of the trailer backup assist system 10 may thereby estimate a hitch angle γ based on the trailer yaw rate ω₂, the vehicle yaw rate ω₁, and the vehicle speed v₁ in view of a kinematic relationship between the trailer 12 and the vehicle 14. In another embodiment, the sensor system 16 may additionally or alternatively include a hitch angle sensor 44, such as a vision-based system that employs a camera 46 on the vehicle 14 to monitor a target, such as sticker 52 or user-selected points (as described later herein), on the trailer 12 to determine the hitch angle γ.

With respect to the general operation of the trailer backup assist system 10, a steering input device 18 may be provided, such as a rotatable knob 30, for a driver to provide the desired curvature of the trailer 12. As such, the steering input device 18 may be operable between a plurality of selections, such as successive rotated positions of a knob 30, that each provide an incremental change to the desired curvature of the trailer 12. Upon inputting the desired curvature, the controller 28 may generate a steering command for the vehicle 14 to guide the trailer 12 on the desired curvature based on the estimated hitch angle γ and a kinematic relationship between the trailer 12 and the vehicle 14. Therefore, the accuracy of the hitch angle estimation may be critical to operating the trailer backup assist system 10. However, it is appreciated that such a system for instantaneously estimating hitch angle may be used in association with additional or alternative vehicle features, such as trailer sway monitoring.

With reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 14 is a pickup truck embodiment that is equipped with one embodiment of the trailer backup assist system 10 for controlling the backing path of the trailer 12 that is attached to the vehicle 14. Specifically, the vehicle 14 is pivotally attached to one embodiment of the trailer 12 that has a box frame 32 with an enclosed cargo area 34, a single axle having a right wheel assembly and a left wheel assembly, and a tongue 36 longitudinally extending forward from the enclosed cargo area 34. The illustrated trailer 12 also has a trailer hitch connector in the form of a coupler assembly 38 that is connected to a vehicle hitch connector in the form of a hitch ball 40. The coupler assembly 38 latches onto the hitch ball 40 to provide a pivoting ball joint connection 42 that allows for articulation of the hitch angle γ. It should be appreciated that additional embodiments of the trailer 12 may alternatively couple with the vehicle 14 to provide a pivoting connection, such as by connecting with a fifth wheel connector. It is also contemplated that additional embodiments of the trailer may include more than one axle and may have various shapes and sizes configured for different loads and items, such as a boat trailer or a flatbed trailer.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the sensor system 16 in the illustrated embodiment may include both a sensor module 20 and a vision-based hitch angle sensor 44 for estimating the hitch angle γ between the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12. The illustrated hitch angle sensor 44 employs a camera 46 (e.g., video imaging camera) that may be located proximate an upper region of the vehicle tailgate 48 at the rear of the vehicle 14, as shown, such that the camera 46 may be elevated relative to the tongue 36 of the trailer 12. The illustrated camera 46 has a field of view 50 located and oriented to capture one or more images of the trailer 12, including a region containing one or more desired target placement zones for at least one sticker 52 to be secured. In the illustrated embodiment, the trailer backup assist system 10 includes a sticker 52 placed on the trailer 12 to allow the trailer backup assist system 10 to utilize information acquired via image acquisition and processing of the sticker 52. For instance, the illustrated camera 46 may include a video imaging camera that repeatedly captures successive images of the trailer 12 that may be processed to identify the sticker 52 and its location on the trailer 12 for determining movement of the sticker 52 and the trailer 12 relative to the vehicle 14 and the corresponding hitch angle γ. It should also be appreciated that the camera 46 may include one or more video imaging cameras and may be located at other locations on the vehicle 14 to acquire images of the trailer 12 and the desired target placement zone, such as on the passenger cab 54 of the vehicle 14 to capture images of a gooseneck trailer.

Additionally or alternatively, the target may include a number of user-selected points on the trailer 12 and the camera 46 may be employed to track the points on the trailer 12 to determine the hitch angle γ between the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 based on the movement of the points within successive camera images. The points may be selected by a vehicle operator or other vehicle occupant through a human machine interface (HMI) 80, which may include a vehicle display 82 located within a passenger cab 54 of the vehicle 14. As exemplarily shown in FIG. 3, a captured image 31 taken by camera 46 is generated on a screen 29 of the vehicle display 82. The captured image 31 includes a rear-vehicle scene containing the tongue 36 of the trailer 12 and a side 33 of the trailer 12 that faces the vehicle 14. By modifying the field of view 50 of the camera 46, more or less of the trailer 12 may be visible in the captured image 31. For exemplary purposes, points 35 a and 35 b are selected by the vehicle operator or other vehicle occupant. Generally, a selected point(s) may correspond to a variety of objects or features located on the trailer 12. However, it is generally preferable to select objects or features that are easily distinguishable by the camera 46. For instance, the objects or features may have visual characteristics that make them easily imaged by the camera 46 including a discernable color and/or shape.

As shown in FIG. 3, point 35 a corresponds to a dark lettering 37 located on side 33 of the trailer 12 whereas point 35 b corresponds to a wheel component 39 of a spare wheel 41 that is mounted to the trailer 12. While two points 35 a, 35 b are shown, it is contemplated that more or less points may be selected in other embodiments. The points 35 a, 35 b may be selected via a touch event, whereby the vehicle operator or other vehicle occupant touches the screen 29 at the corresponding locations with his or her finger or a pointing device such as a stylus. Thus, it is to be understood that the screen 29 of the vehicle display 82 may be configured as a touch screen. The size of the points 35 a, 35 b may be set by default or otherwise fine-tuned by a user. For example, the size of the points 35 a, 35 b may be increased or decreased incrementally by turning the knob 30 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, respectively. It is contemplated that the size of the points 35 a, 35 b may be adjusted using other vehicle devices or through one or more additional touch events including a finger swipe, finger drag, and other motions. It is further contemplated that the points 35 a, 35 b are not limited to a circular shape and may include other shapes such as a square shape or other geometric shape.

In practice, the points 35 a, 35 b should be selected when the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 are in substantial alignment, that is, positioned in a straight line as appearing in the captured image 31 shown in FIG. 3. Once the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 have been aligned and the points 35 a, 35 b selected, the image coordinates of points 35 a and 35 b are supplied to the controller 28 so that the controller 28 can acquire images of the lettering 37 and the wheel component 39, respectively, and associate those images with the corresponding points 35 a, 35 b. Later, as the trailer 12 moves relative to the vehicle 14, during a backup maneuver, for example, the controller 28 may analyze captured images to track the new position of the points 35 a, 35 b within the captured images. For example, a subsequent captured image 43 taken by the camera 46 is shown in FIG. 4 showing a new position of points 35 a and 35 b, respectively. The controller 28 may analyze the changes to pixels between the captured images 31, 43 and relate those changes to a corresponding angular position change in degrees of points 35 a and 35 b, wherein the position of points 35 a and 35 b in captured image 31 serve as the reference points. In this manner, the angular position change of points 35 a and 35 b with respect to the position of points 35 a and 35 b in captured image 31 is equivalent to the hitch angle γ between the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12.

Referring to FIG. 5, a method of monitoring a hitch angle γ between a vehicle 14 and a trailer 12 of the trailer backup assist system 10 is illustrated and may correspond to one embodiment of a hitch angle estimation routine 130 (FIG. 2). At step 134, the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 are pulled into straight alignment. When the vehicle 14 and trailer 12 are straightened, the vehicle operator may be notified of the same via an auditory alert, a visual alert, a tactile alert, or a combination thereof. At step 136, a captured image taken by the camera 46 is generated on the screen 29 of the vehicle display 82. At step 138, a number of points are assigned to objects or features of the trailer 12 appearing in the captured image shown on screen 29. As described herein the screen 29 may be a touchscreen, thereby enabling a user to assign points via one or more touch events. Once the points have been assigned, the vehicle operator initiates a trailer backup maneuver at step 140. While the trailer backup maneuver is underway, the processor continues to analyze captured images taken by the camera 46 to track changes in the pixels within the captured images at step 150. The changes are ultimately related to an angular position change of the points 35 a, 35 b to obtain the hitch angle γ between the vehicle 14 and the trailer at step 160, as described herein previously. Steps 150 and 160 may be repeated for the duration of the trailer backup maneuver to provide instantaneous hitch angle γ estimations between the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, an additional camera 53 may be provided in a side mirror assembly 55 located on the passenger side of the vehicle 14. It is to be understood that the side mirror assembly on the driver side of the vehicle 14 may also be similarly configured. As shown, the camera 53 has a field of view 57 located and oriented to capture images that may include a rear-vehicle operating environment 59 and a side-vehicle operating environment 61. Camera 53 may include a video imaging camera that repeatedly captures successive images that may be processed to assist in a variety of functions. For instance, images captured by the camera 53 may be processed to determine trailer sway of the trailer 12. In another instance, images captured by the camera 53 may be processed for object detection, blind spot detection, and the like. In yet another instance, the images captured by the camera 53 may be processed and displayed on vehicle display 82 or other display to assist the vehicle operator during a trailer backup maneuver. It is contemplated that the images captured by the camera 53 may be processed alongside images captured by any other cameras located on the vehicle 14 and/or trailer 12 to generate composite images that are displayed on vehicle display 82 or other display. For example, points P₁, P₂, P₃, and P₄ exemplarily show other possible camera locations on the vehicle 14 and trailer 12. While not shown, cameras may also be located on the roof of the vehicle 14 and/or trailer 12. It is contemplated that captured images from camera 53 may be combined with those taken from other cameras located variously on the vehicle 14 and/or trailer 12, as described herein, to generate a 360 degree view on vehicle display 82 or other display. The 360 degree view may be generated using images taken by only cameras mounted to the vehicle 14, only cameras mounted to the trailer 12, or a combination of cameras mounted to both the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12. Thus, it should be appreciated that the camera 53 may be operated independently of whether the vehicle 14 is attached to the trailer 12 or a trailer backup related feature is underway.

According to one embodiment, the camera 53 may be mounted to a body portion 65 of the side mirror assembly 55 as shown in FIG. 6. A securing member 69 extends from the body portion 65 and is fixedly coupled to the vehicle 14. The body portion 65 houses a side mirror 71 and includes a lower portion 73 below the side mirror 71. The camera 53 may be located in a lower corner region 75 of the body portion 65 defined by the lower portion 73 and a side portion 77 of the body portion 65. The lower corner region 75 is formed so as not to obstruct the field of view 57 of the camera 53. The camera 53 may be left partially exposed or otherwise covered by a substantially clear cover. However, by virtue of its location on the body portion 65, the camera 53 is generally well shielded against the operating environment of the vehicle 14 while the vehicle 14 is in an operational state. The camera 53 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 28 of the trailer backup assist system 10 or other controller through wiring 85 that extends from within the body portion 65 and through a frame side door frame 87 of the vehicle 14. The controller 28 may be configured to process images captured by the camera 53 and may display the captured images on the vehicle display 82 and/or analyze the captured images while performing trailer backup related functions.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the camera 53 includes a horizontal field of view (HFOV) angle θ_(HFOV) defined by first and second horizontal extents 91 and 93. As shown, horizontal extent 91 extends through the vehicle 14 and intersects with a centerline longitudinal axis 95 of the vehicle 14 whereas horizontal extent 93 extends forward and to the right of the vehicle 14 and is located in front (at angle θ₁) of a lateral axis 97 of the vehicle 14 that intersects the camera 53. In the illustrated embodiment, the HFOV angle θ_(HFOV) is substantially obtuse, that is, greater than 90 degrees. By increasing the angle θ₁, a greater portion of the side-vehicle operating environment 61 can be imaged. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, horizontal extent 93 may be located behind the lateral axis 97 of the vehicle 14 (at angle θ₂), thereby decreasing the portion of the side-vehicle operating environment 61 that can be imaged by the camera 53. In this embodiment, the HFOV angle θ_(HFOV) may be substantially obtuse, normal (i.e. 90 degrees), or acute (i.e., less than 45 degrees). While not shown, the horizontal extent 93 may coincide with the lateral axis 97 of the vehicle 14 in other embodiments.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the embodiment of the sensor module 20 includes a housed sensor cluster 21 mounted on the tongue 36 of the trailer 12 proximate the enclosed cargo area 34 and includes left and right wheel speed sensors 23 on laterally opposing wheels of the trailer 12. It is conceivable that the wheel speed sensors 23 may be bi-directional wheel speed sensors for monitoring both forward and reverse speeds. Also, it is contemplated that the sensor cluster 21, in additional embodiments, may be mounted on alternative portions of the trailer 12.

The sensor module 20 generates a plurality of signals indicative of various dynamics of the trailer 12. The signals may include a yaw rate signal, a lateral acceleration signal, and wheel speed signals generated respectively by a yaw rate sensor 25, an accelerometer 27, and the wheel speed sensors 23. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the yaw rate sensor 25 and the accelerometer 27 are contained within the housed sensor cluster 21, although other configurations are conceivable. It is conceivable that the accelerometer 27, in some embodiments, may be two or more separate sensors and may be arranged at an offset angle, such as two sensors arranged at plus and minus forty-five degrees from the longitudinal direction of the trailer or arranged parallel with the longitudinal and lateral directions of the trailer, to generate a more robust acceleration signal. It is also contemplated that these sensor signals could be compensated and filtered to remove offsets or drifts, and smooth out noise. Further, the controller 28 may utilize processed signals received outside of the sensor system 16, including standard signals from the brake control system 72 and the power assist steering system 62, such as vehicle yaw rate ω₁, vehicle speed v₁, and steering angle δ, to estimate the trailer hitch angle γ, trailer speed, and related trailer parameters. As described in more detail below, the controller 28 may estimate the hitch angle γ based on the trailer yaw rate ω₂, the vehicle yaw rate ω₁, and the vehicle speed v₁ in view of a kinematic relationship between the trailer 12 and the vehicle 14. The controller 28 of the trailer backup assist system 10 may also utilize the estimated trailer variables and trailer parameters to control the steering system 62, brake control system 72, and the powertrain control system 74, such as to assist backing the vehicle-trailer combination or to mitigate a trailer sway condition.

With reference to the embodiment of the trailer backup assist system 10 shown in FIG. 2, the trailer backup assist system 10 may receive vehicle and trailer status-related information from additional sensors and devices. The additional sensors and devices may be used in lieu of the hitch angle sensor 44 or the sensor module 20 in the event that one or more sensors (e.g., hitch angle sensor 44) used for determining the hitch angle γ fail. This trailer status-related information includes positioning information from a positioning device 56, which may include a global positioning system (GPS) on the vehicle 14 or a hand held device, to determine a coordinate location of the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 based on the location of the positioning device 56 with respect to the trailer 12 and/or the vehicle 14 and based on the estimated hitch angle γ. The positioning device 56 may additionally or alternatively include a dead reckoning system for determining the coordinate location of the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 within a localized coordinate system based at least on vehicle speed, steering angle, and hitch angle γ. Other vehicle information received by the trailer backup assist system 10 may include a speed of the vehicle 14 from a speed sensor 58 and a yaw rate of the vehicle 14 from a vehicle yaw rate sensor 60. It is contemplated that in additional embodiments, the hitch angle sensor 44 and other vehicle sensors and devices may provide sensor signals or other information, such as proximity sensor signals or successive images of the trailer 12, that the controller of the trailer backup assist system 10 may process with various routines to determine an indicator of the hitch angle γ, such as a range of hitch angles.

As further shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of the trailer backup assist system 10 is in communication with a power assist steering system 62 of the vehicle 14 to operate the steered wheels 64 (FIG. 1) of the vehicle 14 for moving the vehicle 14 in such a manner that the trailer 12 reacts in accordance with the desired curvature of the trailer 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the power assist steering system 62 is an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system that includes an electric steering motor 66 for turning the steered wheels 64 to a steering angle based on a steering command, whereby the steering angle may be sensed by a steering angle sensor 67 of the power assist steering system 62. The steering command may be provided by the trailer backup assist system 10 for autonomously steering during a backup maneuver and may alternatively be provided manually via a rotational position (e.g., steering wheel angle) of a steering wheel 68 (FIG. 1). However, in the illustrated embodiment, the steering wheel 68 of the vehicle 14 is mechanically coupled with the steered wheels 64 of the vehicle 14, such that the steering wheel 68 moves in concert with steered wheels 64 via an internal torque, preventing manual intervention with the steering wheel 68 during autonomous steering. More specifically, a torque sensor 70 is provided on the power assist steering system 62 that senses torque (e.g., gripping and/or turning) on the steering wheel 68 that is not expected from autonomous control of the steering wheel 68 and therefore indicative of manual intervention by the driver. In some embodiments, external torque applied to the steering wheel 68 may serve as a signal to the controller 28 that the driver has taken manual control and for the vehicle 14 to discontinue steering maneuvers and/or alerts.

Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the power assist steering system 62 provides the controller 28 of the trailer backup assist system 10 with information relating to a rotational position of steered wheels 64 of the vehicle 14, including a steering angle. The controller 28 in the illustrated embodiment processes the current steering angle, in addition to other vehicle 14 and trailer 12 conditions, to guide the trailer 12 along the desired curvature. It is conceivable that the trailer backup assist system 10, in additional embodiments, may be an integrated component of the power assist steering system 62. For example, the power assist steering system 62 may include a trailer backup assist algorithm for generating vehicle steering information and commands as a function of all or a portion of information received from the steering input device 18, the hitch angle sensor 44, the power assist steering system 62, a vehicle brake control system 72, a powertrain control system 74, and other vehicle sensors and devices.

As also illustrated in FIG. 2, the vehicle brake control system 72 may also communicate with the controller 28 to provide the trailer backup assist system 10 with braking information, such as vehicle wheel speed, and to receive braking commands from the controller 28. For instance, vehicle speed information can be determined from individual wheel speeds as monitored by the brake control system 72. Vehicle speed may also be determined from the powertrain control system 74, the speed sensor 58, and the positioning device 56, among other conceivable means. In some embodiments, individual wheel speeds can also be used to determine a vehicle yaw rate, which can be provided to the trailer backup assist system 10 in the alternative, or in addition to, the vehicle yaw rate sensor 60. In certain embodiments, the trailer backup assist system 10 can provide vehicle braking information to the brake control system 72 for allowing the trailer backup assist system 10 to control braking of the vehicle 14 during backing of the trailer 12. For example, the trailer backup assist system 10, in some embodiments, may regulate speed of the vehicle 14 during backing of the trailer 12, which can reduce the potential for unacceptable trailer backup conditions. Examples of unacceptable trailer backup conditions include, but are not limited to, a vehicle 14 over-speed condition, a high hitch angle rate, an inability to track the sticker 52 or the user-selected points (e.g., points 35 a, 35 b; FIGS. 3 and 4), trailer angle dynamic instability, a calculated theoretical trailer jackknife condition (defined by a maximum vehicle steering angle, drawbar length, tow vehicle wheelbase, and an effective trailer length), or physical contact jackknife limitation (defined by an angular displacement limit relative to the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12), and the like. Unacceptable trailer backup conditions may result from the failure of one or more sensors (e.g., hitch angle sensor 44) and/or inputs (e.g., steering input device 18) on the vehicle 14 and/or trailer 12 to provide information to the controller 28 of the trailer backup assist system 10. In such events, the driver may be unaware of the failure until the unacceptable trailer backup condition is imminent or already happening. Therefore, it is disclosed herein that the trailer backup assist system 10 can generate an alert signal corresponding to a notification of an actual, impending, and/or anticipated unacceptable trailer backup condition, and prior to driver intervention, generate a counter measure to prevent such an unacceptable trailer backup condition, as further described herein.

The powertrain control system 74, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, may also interact with the trailer backup assist system 10 for regulating speed and acceleration of the vehicle 14 during backing of the trailer 12. As mentioned above, regulation of the speed of the vehicle 14 may be necessary to limit the potential for unacceptable trailer backup conditions such as, for example, jackknifing and trailer angle dynamic instability, or when the failure of a sensor and/or an input device is detected. Similar to high-speed considerations as they relate to unacceptable trailer backup conditions, high acceleration and high dynamic driver curvature requests can also lead to such unacceptable trailer backup conditions.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the trailer backup assist system 10 in the illustrated embodiment may communicate with one or more devices, including a vehicle alert system 76, which may prompt visual, auditory, and tactile warnings. For instance, vehicle brake lights 78 and vehicle emergency flashers may provide a visual alert and a vehicle horn 79 and/or speaker 81 may provide an audible alert. Additionally, the trailer backup assist system 10 and/or vehicle alert system 76 may communicate with the HMI 80 for the vehicle 14. The HMI 80 may include the vehicle display 82, such as a center-stack mounted navigation or entertainment display (FIG. 1) capable of displaying images indicating the alert. Such an embodiment may be desirable to notify the driver of the vehicle 14 that a sensor and/or input device used by the backup assist system 10 has failed. Further, the trailer backup assist system 10 may communicate via wireless communication with another embodiment of the HMI 80, such as with one or more handheld or portable devices, including one or more smartphones. The portable device may also include the display 82 for displaying one or more images and other information to a user. For instance, the portable device may display an image indicating the sensor and/or input device that has failed. In addition, the portable device may provide feedback information, such as visual, audible, and tactile alerts.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the trailer backup assist system 10 includes the steering input device 18 that is connected to the controller 28 for allowing communication of information therebetween. It is disclosed herein that the steering input device 18 can be coupled to the controller 28 in a wired or wireless manner. The steering input device 18 provides the trailer backup assist system 10 with information defining the desired backing path of travel of the trailer 12 for the controller 28 to process and generate steering commands. More specifically, the steering input device 18 may provide a selection or positional information that correlates with a desired curvature of the desired backing path of travel of the trailer 12. Also, the trailer steering commands provided by the steering input device 18 can include information relating to a commanded change in the path of travel, such as an incremental change in the desired curvature, and information relating to an indication that the trailer 12 is to travel along a path defined by a longitudinal centerline axis of the trailer 12, such as a desired curvature value of zero that defines a substantially straight path of travel for the trailer. Given the importance of the steering input device 18 in controlling the vehicle 14 and trailer 12 while in motion, safety systems directed toward mitigating a failure of the steering input device 18 by generating a countermeasure may be a desirable feature in the trailer backup assist system 10. Accordingly, the controller 28 of the trailer backup assist system 10 may detect failure of the steering input device 18 and engage a countermeasure when the steering input device 18 fails, until the driver regains operational control of the vehicle 14.

Still referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the controller 28 is configured with a microprocessor 84 to process logic and routines stored in memory 86 that receive information from the sensor system 16, including the trailer sensor module 20, the hitch angle sensor 44, the steering input device 18, the power assist steering system 62, the vehicle brake control system 72, the trailer braking system, the powertrain control system 74, and other vehicle sensors and devices. The controller 28 may generate vehicle steering information and commands as a function of all, or a portion of, the information received. Thereafter, the vehicle steering information and commands may be provided to the power assist steering system 62 for affecting steering of the vehicle 14 to achieve a commanded path of travel for the trailer 12. The controller 28 may include the microprocessor 84 and/or other analog and/or digital circuitry for processing one or more routines. Also, the controller 28 may include the memory 86 for storing one or more routines, including the hitch angle estimation routine 130, an operating routine 132, and a curvature routine 98. It should be appreciated that the controller 28 may be a stand-alone dedicated controller or may be a shared controller integrated with other control functions, such as integrated with the sensor system 16, the power assist steering system 62, and other conceivable onboard or off-board vehicle control systems.

With reference to FIG. 9, we now turn to a discussion of vehicle and trailer information and parameters used to calculate a kinematic relationship between a curvature of a path of travel of the trailer 12 and the steering angle of the vehicle 14 towing the trailer 12, which can be desirable for a trailer backup assist system 10 configured in accordance with some embodiments, including for use by a curvature routine 98 of the controller 28 in one embodiment. To achieve such a kinematic relationship, certain assumptions may be made with regard to parameters associated with the vehicle/trailer system. Examples of such assumptions include, but are not limited to, the trailer 12 being backed by the vehicle 14 at a relatively low speed, wheels of the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 having negligible (e.g., no) slip, tires of the vehicle 14 having negligible (e.g., no) lateral compliance, tires of the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 having negligible (e.g., no) deformation, actuator dynamics of the vehicle 14 being negligible, and the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 exhibiting negligible (e.g., no) roll or pitch motions, among other conceivable factors with the potential to have an effect on controlling the trailer 12 with the vehicle 14.

As shown in FIG. 9, for a system defined by a vehicle 14 and a trailer 12, the kinematic relationship is based on various parameters associated with the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12. These parameters include:

δ: steering angle at steered front wheels of the vehicle;

α: yaw angle of the vehicle;

β: yaw angle of the trailer;

γ: hitch angle (γ=β−α);

W: wheel base of the vehicle;

L: drawbar length between hitch point and rear axle of the vehicle;

D: distance (trailer length) between hitch point and axle of the trailer or effective axle for a multiple axle trailer; and

r₂: curvature radius for the trailer.

One embodiment of a kinematic relationship between trailer path radius of curvature r₂ at the midpoint of an axle of the trailer 12, steering angle δ of the steered wheels 64 of the vehicle 14, and the hitch angle γ can be expressed in the equation provided below. As such, if the hitch angle γ is provided, the trailer path curvature κ₂ can be controlled based on regulating the steering angle δ (where {dot over (β)} is trailer yaw rate and {dot over (η)} is trailer velocity).

$\kappa_{2} = {\frac{1}{r_{2}} = {\frac{\overset{.}{\beta}}{\overset{.}{\eta}} = \frac{{\left( {W + \frac{{KV}^{2}}{g}} \right)\sin \; \gamma} + {L\; \cos \; \gamma \; \tan \; \delta}}{D\left( {{\left( {W + \frac{{KV}^{2}}{g}} \right)\cos \; \gamma} - {L\; \sin \; \gamma \; \tan \; \delta}} \right)}}}$

This relationship can be expressed to provide the steering angle δ as a function of trailer path curvature κ₂ and hitch angle γ.

$\delta = {{\tan^{- 1}\left( \frac{\left( {W + \frac{{KV}^{2}}{g}} \right)\left\lbrack {{\kappa_{2}D\; \cos \; \gamma} - {\sin \; \gamma}} \right\rbrack}{{{DL}\; \kappa_{2}\sin \; \gamma} + {L\; \cos \; \gamma}} \right)} = {F\left( {\gamma,\kappa_{2},K} \right)}}$

Accordingly, for a particular vehicle and trailer combination, certain parameters (e.g., D, W and L) of the kinematic relationship are constant and assumed known. V is the vehicle longitudinal speed and g is the acceleration due to gravity. K is a speed dependent parameter which when set to zero makes the calculation of steering angle independent of vehicle speed. For example, vehicle-specific parameters of the kinematic relationship can be predefined in an electronic control system of the vehicle 14 and trailer-specific parameters of the kinematic relationship can be inputted by a driver of the vehicle 14, determined from sensed trailer behavior in response to vehicle steering commands, or otherwise determined from signals provided by the trailer 12. Trailer path curvature κ₂ can be determined from the driver input via the steering input device 18. Through the use of the equation for providing steering angle, a corresponding steering command can be generated by the curvature routine 98 for controlling the power assist steering system 62 of the vehicle 14.

In an additional embodiment, an assumption may be made by the curvature routine 98 that a longitudinal distance L between the pivoting connection and the rear axle of the vehicle 14 is equal to zero for purposes of operating the trailer backup assist system 10 when a gooseneck trailer or other similar trailer is connected with a hitch ball or a fifth wheel connector located over a rear axle of the vehicle 14. The assumption essentially assumes that the pivoting connection with the trailer 12 is substantially vertically aligned with the rear axle of the vehicle 14. When such an assumption is made, the controller 28 may generate the steering angle command for the vehicle 14 as a function independent of the longitudinal distance L between the pivoting connection and the rear axle of the vehicle 14. It is appreciated that the gooseneck trailer mentioned generally refers to the tongue configuration being elevated to attach with the vehicle 14 at an elevated location over the rear axle, such as within a bed of a truck, whereby embodiments of the gooseneck trailer may include flatbed cargo areas, enclosed cargo areas, campers, cattle trailers, horse trailers, lowboy trailers, and other conceivable trailers with such a tongue configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in the illustrated embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, it may be desirable to limit the potential for the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 to attain a jackknife angle (i.e., the vehicle/trailer system achieving a jackknife condition). A jackknife angle γ(j) refers to a hitch angle γ that while backing cannot be overcome by the maximum steering input for a vehicle such as, for example, the steered front wheels of the vehicle 14 being moved to a maximum steered angle δ at a maximum rate of steering angle change. The jackknife angle γ(j) is a function of a maximum wheel angle for the steered wheels of the vehicle 14, the wheel base W of the vehicle 14, the distance L between hitch point and the rear axle of the vehicle 14, and the trailer length D between the hitch point and the axle of the trailer 12 or the effective axle when the trailer 12 has multiple axles. When the hitch angle γ for the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 achieves or exceeds the jackknife angle γ(j), the vehicle 14 may be pulled forward to reduce the hitch angle γ. Thus, for limiting the potential for a vehicle/trailer system attaining a jackknife angle, it is preferable to control the yaw angle of the trailer 12 while keeping the hitch angle γ of the vehicle/trailer system relatively small.

A kinematic model representation of the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 can also be used to determine a jackknife angle for the vehicle-trailer combination. Accordingly, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a steering angle limit for the steered front wheels requires that the hitch angle γ cannot exceed the jackknife angle γ(j), which is also referred to as a critical hitch angle γ. Thus, under the limitation that the hitch angle γ cannot exceed the jackknife angle γ(j), the jackknife angle γ(j) is the hitch angle γ that maintains a circular motion for the vehicle/trailer system when the steered wheels 64 are at a maximum steering angle δ(max). The steering angle for circular motion with hitch angle γ is defined by the following equation.

${\tan \; \delta_{\max}} = \frac{w\; \sin \; \gamma_{\max}}{D + {L\; \cos \; \gamma_{\max}}}$

Solving the above equation for hitch angle γ allows jackknife angle γ(j) to be determined. This solution, which is shown in the following equation, can be used in implementing trailer backup assist functionality in accordance with the disclosed subject matter for monitoring hitch angle γ in relation to jackknife angle.

${\cos \; \overset{\_}{\gamma}} = \frac{{- b} \pm \sqrt{b^{2} - {4\; {ac}}}}{2\; a}$

where,

a=L² tan² δ(max)+W²;

b=2 LD tan² δ(max); and

c=D² tan² δ(max)−W².

In certain instances of backing the trailer 12, a jackknife enabling condition can arise based on current operating parameters of the vehicle 14 in combination with a corresponding hitch angle γ. This condition can be indicated when one or more specified vehicle operating thresholds are met while a particular hitch angle γ is present. For example, although the particular hitch angle γ is not currently at the jackknife angle for the vehicle 14 and attached trailer 12, certain vehicle operating parameters can lead to a rapid (e.g., uncontrolled) transition of the hitch angle γ to the jackknife angle for a current commanded trailer curvature and/or can reduce an ability to steer the trailer 12 away from the jackknife angle. One reason for a jackknife enabling condition is that trailer curvature control mechanisms (e.g., those in accordance with the disclosed subject matter) generally calculate steering commands at an instantaneous point in time during backing of a trailer 12. However, these calculations will typically not account for lag in the steering control system of the vehicle 14 (e.g., lag in a steering EPAS controller). Another reason for the jackknife enabling condition is that trailer curvature control mechanisms generally exhibit reduced steering sensitivity and/or effectiveness when the vehicle 14 is at relatively high speeds and/or when undergoing relatively high acceleration.

Jackknife determining information may be received by the controller 28, according to one embodiment, to process and characterize a jackknife enabling condition of the vehicle-trailer combination at a particular point in time (e.g., at the point in time when the jackknife determining information was sampled). Examples of the jackknife determining information include, but are not limited to, information characterizing an estimated hitch angle γ, information characterizing a vehicle accelerator pedal transient state, information characterizing a speed of the vehicle 14, information characterizing longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle 14, information characterizing a brake torque being applied by a brake system of the vehicle 14, information characterizing a powertrain torque being applied to driven wheels of the vehicle 14, and information characterizing the magnitude and rate of driver requested trailer curvature. In this regard, jackknife determining information would be continually monitored, such as by an electronic control unit (ECU) that carries out trailer backup assist (TBA) functionality. After receiving the jackknife determining information, a routine may process the jackknife determining information for determining if the vehicle-trailer combination attained the jackknife enabling condition at the particular point in time. The objective of the operation for assessing the jackknife determining information is determining if a jackknife enabling condition has been attained at the point in time defined by the jackknife determining information. If it is determined that a jackknife enabling condition is present at the particular point in time, a routine may also determine an applicable countermeasure or countermeasures to implement. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an applicable countermeasure will be selected dependent upon a parameter identified as being a key influencer of the jackknife enabling condition. However, in other embodiments, an applicable countermeasure will be selected as being most able to readily alleviate the jackknife enabling condition. In still another embodiment, a predefined countermeasure or predefined set of countermeasures may be the applicable countermeasure(s).

As previously disclosed with reference to the illustrated embodiments, during operation of the trailer backup assist system 10, a driver of the vehicle 14 may be limited in the manner in which steering inputs may be made with the steering wheel 68 of the vehicle 14 due to the power assist steering system 62 being directly coupled to the steering wheel 68. Accordingly, the steering input device 18 of the trailer backup assist system 10 may be used for inputting a desired curvature of the trailer 12, thereby decoupling such commands from being made at the steering wheel 68 of the vehicle 14. However, additional embodiments of the trailer backup assist system 10 may have the capability to selectively decouple the steering wheel 68 from movement of steerable wheels of the vehicle 14, thereby allowing the steering wheel 68 to be used for commanding changes in the desired curvature of a trailer 12 or otherwise selecting a desired backing path during such trailer backup assist.

As described herein, the trailer backup assist system 10 may employ a camera 46 to track targets such as sticker 52 and/or user-selected points (e.g., points 35 a, 35 b; FIGS. 3 and 4) to determine the hitch angle γ between the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12. In some instances, however, the target(s) may become lost, that is, unable to be imaged by the camera 46. Examples of the target(s) becoming lost include when the target(s) is no longer in the field of view 50 of the camera 46, when the target(s) becomes obstructed by other objects or glare, and when the camera 46 malfunctions. When the target(s) becomes lost temporarily, the trailer backup assist system 10 may be unable to determine the hitch angle γ between the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12. Generally, the longer the target(s) remains lost, the greater the increase in hitch angle γ deviation depending on the speed at which the vehicle 14 and trailer 12 are traveling. As a result, a possible jackknife scenario may be encountered if countermeasures are not taken in response to the target(s) becoming lost.

Referring to FIG. 11, a method of managing a lost target of the trailer backup assist system 10 during a trailer backup maneuver is illustrated and may correspond to one embodiment of the operating routine 132 (FIG. 2). As described herein, the trailer backup assist system 10 may automatically steer the vehicle 14 once the trailer backup maneuver is underway. In some embodiments, the trailer backup assist system 10 may also dictate the speed of the vehicle 14 by actively controlling the vehicle brake control system 72 and/or the powertrain control system 74 of the vehicle 14. At step 170, the target or targets are imaged by the camera 46. If the target(s) becomes lost (decision block 180), the controller 28 calculates the amount of time in which to reach a maximum controllable hitch angle γ at the current trailer yaw rate at step 190. Otherwise, so long as the target(s) can be imaged, the hitch angle γ can be calculated at step 200 pursuant to any of the methods described herein such as that described in reference to FIG. 5. Thus, it is to be understood that the method of the presently illustrated embodiment may be seen as an extension to any of hitch angle detection methods described herein that rely on the use of camera 46.

At step 190, the trailer yaw rate may be supplied to the controller 28 via yaw rate sensor 25 (FIG. 2). If the amount of time is above a predetermined threshold (decision block 210), the controller 28 may estimate the hitch angle γ at step 220 using non-camera based means. For example, the controller 28 may estimate the hitch angle γ based on the trailer yaw rate ω₂ provided by yaw rate sensor 25, the vehicle yaw rate ω₁ provided by yaw rate sensor 60, and the vehicle speed v₁ provided by speed sensor 58 in view of the kinematic relationship between the trailer 12 and the vehicle 14 (FIG. 9). So long as the amount of time is above the predetermined threshold, the controller 28 may continue to estimate the hitch angle γ until the target is acquired again. If the amount of time is below the predetermined threshold (decision block 210), the controller 28 initiates a preventative countermeasure against a potential jackknife situation at step 230. The countermeasure may include alerting the vehicle operator to assume control of the steering wheel 68 of the vehicle 14 and/or the vehicle brake control system 72 (i.e., apply brakes). The alert may be visual, auditory, and/or haptic and may be realized using a variety of vehicle devices and systems. Additionally or alternatively, the countermeasure may include actively controlling the power assist steering system 62, the vehicle brake control system 72, and/or the powertrain control system 74 of the vehicle 14 to reduce the hitch angle γ and the speed of the vehicle 14 to an acceptable threshold until the vehicle operator assumes control of the steering wheel 68 of the vehicle 14. The controller 28 may be notified that the vehicle operator has assumed control of the steering wheel 68 based on feedback received from the torque sensor 70 of the power assist steering system 62 (FIG. 2) or an optional capacitive sensor(s) 250 disposed on the steering wheel 68 of the vehicle 14 (FIG. 1).

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A trailer backup assist system comprising: a camera for capturing images of a trailer connected to a vehicle; a display having a screen for displaying captured images and registering a touch event thereon to assign a target on the imaged trailer; and a controller for processing the captured images and tracking the target to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer while the vehicle is automatically steered during a trailer backup maneuver.
 2. The trailer backup assist system of claim 1, wherein the target comprises a number of points on the imaged trailer, wherein the points correspond to objects or features of the trailer.
 3. The trailer backup assist system of claim 1, wherein the hitch angle is determined based on changes in pixels of the captured images that relate to an angular position change of the target.
 4. The trailer backup assist system of claim 3, wherein if the target becomes lost, the controller calculates a time in which to reach a maximum controllable hitch angle at a current trailer yaw rate.
 5. The trailer backup assist system of claim 4, wherein if the calculated time is above a predetermined threshold, the controller estimates the hitch angle based on a trailer yaw rate, a vehicle yaw rate, and a vehicle speed.
 6. The trailer backup assist system of claim 4, wherein if the calculated time is below a predetermined threshold, the controller initiates a preventative countermeasure for reducing the hitch angle and a speed of the vehicle.
 7. A trailer backup assist system comprising: a camera for capturing images of a trailer connected to a vehicle; and a controller for processing the captured images and tracking a target on the imaged trailer to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer during a trailer backup maneuver, wherein if the target becomes lost, the controller calculates a time in which to reach a maximum controllable hitch angle at a current trailer yaw rate.
 8. The trailer backup assist system of claim 7, wherein the target is at least one of a sticker applied to the trailer.
 9. The trailer backup assist system of claim 7, a number of points on the imaged trailer, wherein the points correspond to objects or features of the trailer and are assigned via one or more touch events on a screen of a vehicle display.
 10. The trailer backup assist system of claim 9, wherein the hitch angle is determined based on changes in pixels of the captured images that relate to an angular position change of the target.
 11. The trailer backup assist system of claim 7, wherein if the calculated time is above a predetermined threshold, the controller estimates the hitch angle based on a trailer yaw rate, a vehicle yaw rate, and a vehicle speed.
 12. The trailer backup assist system of claim 7, wherein if the calculated time is below a predetermined threshold, the controller initiates a preventative countermeasure for reducing the hitch angle and a speed of the vehicle.
 13. A hitch angle monitoring method, comprising the steps of: capturing images of a trailer that is connected to a vehicle; displaying the captured images on a screen of a vehicle display; registering a touch event on the screen to assign a target on the imaged trailer; and processing the captured images to track the target to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer while the trailer is automatically steered during a trailer backup maneuver.
 14. The hitch angle monitoring method of claim 13, further comprising the step of aligning the vehicle and the trailer before assigning the target on the imaged trailer.
 15. The hitch angle monitoring method of claim 13, wherein the target comprises a number of points on the imaged trailer, wherein the points correspond to objects or features of the trailer, and wherein the hitch angle is determined based on changes in pixels of the captured images that relate to an angular position change of the target.
 16. The hitch angle monitoring method of claim 13, wherein if the target becomes lost, the controller calculates a time in which to reach a maximum controllable hitch angle at a current trailer yaw rate.
 17. The hitch angle monitoring method of claim 14, wherein if the calculated time is above a predetermined threshold, the controller estimates the hitch angle based on a trailer yaw rate, a vehicle yaw rate, and a vehicle speed.
 18. The hitch angle monitoring method of claim 14, wherein if the calculated time is below a predetermined threshold, the controller initiates a preventative countermeasure for reducing a potential jackknife situation.
 19. The hitch angle monitoring method of claim 18, wherein the preventative countermeasure includes alerting an operator of the vehicle to assume control of at least one of a steering device of the vehicle and a vehicle brake control system of the vehicle.
 20. The hitch angle monitoring method of claim 18, wherein the preventative countermeasure includes actively controlling at least one of a power assist steering system, a vehicle brake control system, and a powertrain control system of the vehicle to reduce the hitch angle and the speed of the vehicle. 